Signaling system.



- H.W. DOUGHTY. SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED AHM), 1912.

1,073,335. Fantea sept. 16; 1913.

ran reen' fil FIQ.

Henman W. noUGH'rY, or BINGHAMTON, NEW Youn, AssIeNoR To encuen o. Kul-rrr,

Y or. New Yoan, N. Y;

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

vPatented Sept. 16, 1913.

Application lcd April 9, 1912. i Serial No. 689,578.

To all whom it may concern Beit .known that I, HERMAN W. DoUGHa'Y, of Binghamton, in the county of Broome and' State of New York, have invented cer- -5 tain new and useful Improvements in Sig,

maling Systems, of which the following is a specification. 4 My vinvent-ion relates to signaling systems, and concernsparticularly, improved means for cutting out of'a'circuit, mechanism located at a'remote point and normally ineluded in the circuit, as, for example, when tests 'of parts of the circuit are to be made.

' My invention can, of course, be applied in various ways; but, for illustration of its adaptability, I will descriloe it as applied in lire alarm systems. In fire alarm systems, normally closed circuits include a source of current and fire alarm boxes and also serially include main alarmmechanism, as, for example, striker controlling mechanism for tower bells or actuation control mechanism for whistles, etc. It is sometimes desirable to test out the line independently of thetower mechanism, but in present systcmsLif the tower mechanism circuit is disconnected, the current flow there-through would cease and the tower mechanism would relax and a false alarm would be given. In

0 some cases,` a separate source of current was substituted in the tower mechanism circuit before disconnection thereof from the main line. In other cases, it was necessary to climb up into the tower to prevent actuation of the alarm mechanism when disconnection, from the main circuit was made.

The main purpose of my invention is, therefore, to provide means which dan be controlled from'the central station for dis# connecting the tower service. i

Another object is to provide. simple mechanism, preferably electro-magnetically controlled mechanism, for controlling the remote mechanism to prevent false actuation thereof upon `disconnection thereof from the main line. Y

In the accompanying drawings, the nature of my invention is fully disclosed and Figure l diagrammatically representsthe main line with remote mechanism connected thereto and serially included in circuit with -the mainline to be changes. Fig. 2 illustrates one step' in the duetor e, switch arm responsive upon currenty connected from the main so that tests can be made of the main line equipment wit-hout influencingv the remote mechanism. l

The main line 4M serially includes the source of current S and any number of signaling stations B. The remote mechanism .comprises yan electro magnet a, one terminal of whose winding connects through conductor b with the contact c connected with one branch of the main line and offering a contact for a switch lever (Z. The other terminal of the winding connects through conductor c with the switch lever l and 'connects through another conductor f with a contact g connected to the main line, the conductor f including; the winding of a locking electro-magnet it. It is generally desirable that the resistance of magnet le, should be approximately equal to that of magnet a, so that the substitution of one ot these magnets for .the other will not cause .any material change of the current How in the circuit. An intermediate dead contact t' is also provided for the switch-arm cl. The armature structure y' for the electro-magnet u may control any mechanism. For example, it could mechanically control tower bell striking mechanism or whistle mechanism or it could control a local circuit 7c, including alarm mechanism Z, as diagrammatically indicated. The electro-magnet h has an armaturem engaged by retractile spring n, the armature when attracted being below a pin o at the end of the armature structure y', so as to prevent retraction movement of the armature structure j. However, when the armature m is retracted, the armature structure j is free to respond to makes and breaks in the main line M to control the local circuit K, to effect Amechanical actuation of alarm or other mechanism. l

Fig. l shows the normal conditions, the main line M serially including conductor b, windings of electro-magnet a and the con- 0i being in engagement with contact g. Thus, normally, they lockingelectro-magnet 'z is short circuited by conductor e and its armature m is retracted so that the electro-magnet a can operate normally in correspondence with current changes in the main line. If, now, for example, it is desired to test on the mainline line current flow eo l loc

independently ofthe remote mechanism, the c `switch,lever i is irst moved to the deed ccntact e', whereupon the short circuit path e is broken andl the loclnng electro-magnet l1,

Iinchuled serially in circuit in the main line with eleclro-nmgnct a. rl`he armature m 1s then attracted below the pin .0 to lock the armature structure y' in its attracted position, and we then have the arrangement shown in Fig. 2. The switch arm al is now moved into engagement with contact 0 as illustrated in Fig. 3, and the conductor e will short circuit the electro-magnet a and locking elect-roanagnet It will be retained serially in the main circuit. Upon such short circuit of the electro magnet a, the armature structure y' will of course be released, locking armature m engaging below pin o so that the armature structure y' cannot drop suiiiciently to effect actuation of the alarm mechanism. or to close the local circuit 71:. Tests lmay novmbe made on the main line without in any wise influencing the alarm electro-magnet a and the alarm mechanism controlled thereby, and false signals will be prevented. During testing, the main line may, of course, be opened, but the arrangement can lbe 'such that the pressure of the armature structure y on the locking armature m will be sufficient to prevent retraction of the locking armature when the circuit is open through its electro-magnet h; or the end of armature mmay be provided with a small .detent ridge 7 in front of which the pin 0 Will engage, when the armature m is first attracted into locking position and the armature m thus held in locking position during current interruptions through electro-magnet 7L. 'While the electro-magnet a is normally intended to respond to impulses from the signaling stations for the purpose of properly controlling signaling mecha-' nism, it is evident that the magnet 7i aocomplishes no useful purpose by so responding, andA said magnet It may therefore be constructed so as to act more sluggishly than magnet c so that if the main line is opened while switch lever (Z is resting upon the dead contact i (as shown in Fig. 2) the pin 0 will be dropped within the path of the detent ridge lr before the armature m has moved in response to its retractile spring e out of the path of said pin o, thus holding the armature structure j against dropping sufficiently to affect actuation of the alarm mechanism controlled by ita After test has been made, the switch lever (Z is again restored to normal position in engagement with contact g, whereupon armature structure y' is again attracted and the short circuit e restored to the locking electro-magnet, whose armature m then falls back into retracted position, Where after the armature structure y' is free for normal operation to'respond. to signaling impulses through the main line.

As before stated, the adaptation of the the invention is not limited to fire alarm or allied systems, but can be usefully applied anywhere where it is desiredvto control remote mechanism and to prevent certain actuation thereof when current flow is withA drawn therefrom.

Changes and modifications are also pos- -sible in thev arrangements wiich I, have shown and described and would-come within the scope of the invention, and l therefore claim the followine:

1. Inan 'electrical system, the combination of a normally closed main circuit, a branch circuit extending to a remote point and serially connected with said main cir-y cuit, an electro-magnet device in said branch circuit having an armature,y mechanism controlled by said armature, a locking electro-magnet having an armature and having its winding included in said branch circuit, armature of said locking' electro-mag net being adapted to lock theielectroanagnet device armature against retraction upon energization of said locking electiomagiiet, switch mechanism ass citated with the main' circuit, and a conductor connected with said switch mechanism and said branch circuit, said switch mechanism when in one 4position causing' said conductor to short-circuit said locking electro-magnet, and when inanother position disconnecting said comluetor from circuit so that current may flow through both said electro-magnet device and the locking electro-magnet, and said switch mechanism when in a third position 10e causing said conductor to short-circuit xsaid electro-magnet device.

2. in an electrical system, the .combination of a normally closed serial circuit comprising a main loop and a branch ldop extend- 105 ing to a remote point, a source of current for said closed circuit, a main'electro-magnet having its winding included in said branch loop and having an armature, mechanism controlled upon retraction of said armature, 11o a locking electro-magnet having an armature adapted whenattracted to prevent retraction of the main electro-magnet armature, the winding of said locking electromagnet being adapted for'serial inclusion in 115 said branch loop, a conductor normally short-circuiting' said locking electro-magnet, and switch mechanism` for4 disconnecting y said conductor from said locking electromagnet to allow energization thereof and to 12e bridge said conductor about said main electro-magnet to cause denergization thereof.

3. In an electrical system, the combination lof a normally closed circuit having a loop extending therefrom to a remote point, alzs source of current for said closed circuit, a main electro-magnet in said loop circuit having an armature, signaling mechanism controlled upon retraction of said armature,

a locking electro-magnet included in said iso fit) .circuit and adapted when in one incassa the main electro-magnet armature, andswitch mechanism connectedvvith vsaid loop oosition to cause lshort-circuiting of said lodlting electro-magnet, and when in another position to cause inclusion of both electro-magnets in circuit, and when moved to a thirdV position to cause short-circuiting of the main electro.- magnct.

4. In an electrical system, the combination of a normally closed circuit having a branch circuit extending therefrom and in. serial relation therewith, a source of current in said main circuit, a main electromagnet insaid branch circu1t lhaving an armature, signaling mechanism controlled' by said armature, a' locking electro-magnet included in said branch circuit in series with said main electro-magnet, a switch arm adapted for connecting ,with the terminals of said branch circuit, and a conductorconneetin g said switch arm'with the branch circuit at a point intermediate of sai'gl main electro-magnet and said locking electromagnet, said locking electro-magnet having an armature adapted when attracted to lock the armature of the main electro-magnet.

5. In an electrical system, the combination of a normally closed circuit, a source of current for Ysaid' circuit, 'a main electromagnet included in said circuit and havine an armature, signaling mechanism controlled upon retraction of said armature, a locking electro-magnet included in said circuit and having an' armature adapted when attracted to copcrate with the main electro-magnet armature to prevent retraction thereof, an auxiliary conductor, and switch mechanism adapted when in onevposition to 'connect' said-.auxiliary conductor in bridge of the lookin electro-magnet to prevent energization thereof, said switch mechanism when in another position causing dis-connection of said conductor from circuit whereby both electro-magnets may be energized, and said switch mechanism when in another position causing connection of said conductor in bridge of the main electro-magnet to cause dciinergization thereof. y

6. An electric circuit comprising a sourcev of current, transmitting devices, and an electromagnet controlling signaling mechanism, means whereby an electromagnetic locking mechanism :for Said signaling mechanism may be substituted for a part of said circuit, and means whereby the substituted .part of said circuit may subsequently be'substituted for said controlling electromagnet.

7. An electric circuit'coniprising a source of current, transmitting devices, and an electro-magnet controlling signaling mechanism, un electromagnetic mechanism for locking said Signaling mechanism which may be subs tituted for a part of said circuit to lock the signaling mechanism, and means .whereby the substituted part of said circuit maybe substituted for said signal controlling elec-' tromagnet to cause denergization thereof.

8. In an electric circuit containing .a source of current transmitting devices, aloop extending from said circuit and having three conductors, one of said conductors containing an electromagnetic signaling mechanism, another of said conductors cofitaining an electromagnetic locking mechanism for said signaling mechanism, and means for connecting the third conductor in shunt with either one of the' other two conductors.

9. In an electric circuit containing a source of current and transmitting devices, a loop extending from. said circuit and having three conductors7 signaling mechanism, an electromagnet for said signaling mechanism connected in one of said conductors, locking mechanism for said signaling mechanism, an g electromagnet for said locking mechanism L connected in another of said conductors, the ithird conductor'adapted to be connected in .shunt with either ofthe other two conductors ,l to denergi-ze the electromagnet therein. i '10, In an electric circuit containing a Ilsou'rce of current and transmitting devices, a loop extending from said circuit and havying threecondnctors, signaling. mechanism, an electromagnet for said signaling mechanism connected in one of said conductors, locking mechanism for saidsignaling mechanism, an electromagnet for said, locking mechanism connected in another of said conductors and normally denergized by being shunted by the' third` conductor, means whereby the locking magnet may be energized to lock-the signaling-mechanism by the opening of the shunt formed by the third conductor, and means whereby the sigmaling magnet may bc d'ener izedl by the closing of a'shunt formed by t ie third con ductor.

l1. In an electric circuit containing a source of current and transmit-ting devices, a loop extending from said circuit and haw. ing three conductors, one of said conductors containing an electromagnetic signaling mechanism, another of said conductors containing an electromagnetic locking mechanism for said signaling mechanism, the third conductor extending to the junction of the other conductors, and means for connccting the third conductor in series with either one of the other two conductors.

12. ln an electric circuit containing a source of current and transmitting devices, a three-conductor lloop extending from said circuit, one of said conductors containing anelectromagnetic signaling mechanism, another of said conductors containing an eleci tromagnetic locking mechanism for said signaling mechanism, the third conductor containing relatively low resistance and means for connecting any tivo of the conductors in series.

`13. In an electric circuit 'containing a source ofcurrent and transmitting devices, a loop extending from said circuit and having three conductors, one of said conductors containing an electromagnetic signaling mechanism, another of' said conductors lcontaining an electromagnetic locking mechanism for said signaling mechanism, the third conductor extending to the junction of the other conductors, and means for connecting the third conductor in series with either one of the othertWo conductors and at the same time in shunt 'with the other one of the two conductors.

14. In a normally closed signaling circuit, a source of current, transmitting devices, a relatively rapid electromagnetic signaling mechanism normally in circuit, a relatively Y sluggish electromagnetic locking mechanism normally in ycircuit but having a shunt whereby said locking electromagnet is rendered inoperative, and means for removing said shunt to energize the locking electromagnct to lock the signaling mechanism.

l5. In an electrical system,l the combination of a normally closed main circuit, a branch circuit connected with said main circuit to receive current fiow therefrom, a main electromagnet included in said branch circuit to receive current flow therefrom and having an armature, mechanism controlled by said armature, a locking electromagnet having an armature adapted when attracted to lock the main relay armature in attracted position, a shunt circuit normally connected to prevent current flow through said locking electromagnet, and switch mechanism for opening said shunt circuit.

16. In an electrical system, the combination of a normally closed main circuit, a branch circuit connected with said main circuit to receive current flow therefrom, a main electro-magnet included in said branch circuit to receive current liovv therefrom and havin an armature, mechanism controlled by said armature, alocking electromagnet having an armature adapted when attracted to lock the main relay armature in attracted posit-ion, a shunt circuit normally connected to prevent current flow through said locking electromagnet, and switch mechanism for removing said shunt circuit from said locking electromagnet to allow energization thereof and locking by its armature of the main relay armature and for` closing said 'shunt .around said main electromagnet.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, this 5th day of April A. D., 1912.

HERMAN W. DOUGHTY Witnesses: A,

, HENRY W. STRONG,

CHARLES J. SCHMIDT. 

